Goodbye radar warning devices, hello driving aids.

A law came into force in France on the 5th January 2012 which has implications for anyone driving in France. It bans the use of equipment that warns the driver of fixed or mobile radar speed trap possitions.

In effect any device that is described as a radar warning device and that indicates radar speed traps location is illegal. However if the device gives a traffic black spot or dangerous section of road warning of at least 4km on motorways, 2km outside of built up areas and 300 meters in urban environments – so if your box follows these rules you’re OK. Your device must not warn of radars or give their exact position.

The risks of using a radar warning device while driving in France

As of January 5, possession, transportation and use of radar warning devices will be punished by a fine of 1500 euros, the withdrawal of six points in the driver's license and seizure of the device.

The old bill – Police Gendarmes what can they do?

Gendarmes and police officers have no right to check the contents of radar warning devices or GPS equipment, be it built in car GPS, smartphone or whatever they do not have the right to examine it ! A French lawyer advised that Motorists should formally deny that a police officer or Gendarme examines their smartphone or GPS device.

In conclusion to driving in France with a radar warning device

It appears that the French government wants more money from the motorists, hence the new law. In practice it is very difficult indeed for them to enforce, I find it difficult to imagine how anyone could be prosecuted for this offence unless they admit to using a radar warning device.